Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Managing Coexisting Psoriasis and Lichen Planus: A Case Study - Report - MDSpire

Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Managing Coexisting Psoriasis and Lichen Planus: A Case Study

  • By

  • Xingmo Li

  • Jinxu Qi

  • Liping Shi

  • Lijuan Liu

  • Xiaoyu Xie

  • Guoqiang Zhang

  • Qing Zhu

  • April 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Managing Coexisting Psoriasis and Lichen Planus

Overview

This report presents a case of a female patient with coexisting psoriasis and lichen planus, highlighting the successful use of upadacitinib after previous treatments were discontinued due to safety concerns. Marked improvement was observed within three months of initiating upadacitinib therapy.

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition often associated with various immune-mediated diseases, complicating treatment strategies. Lichen planus, another chronic inflammatory condition, presents additional challenges due to its refractory nature. Understanding the interplay between these conditions and effective treatment options is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

Incorporate any relevant clinical data or outcomes that were observed during the treatment.

Key Findings

  • Coexistence of psoriasis and lichen planus is rarely reported in clinical literature.
  • Initial treatment with acitretin and topical mometasone was ineffective due to safety concerns leading to treatment discontinuation.
  • Upadacitinib, a selective JAK-1 inhibitor, was initiated and resulted in significant improvement within three months.
  • The case underscores the potential of upadacitinib in managing complex dermatological conditions.
  • Pathogenic mechanisms suggest a dysregulated immune response may link psoriasis and lichen planus.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the potential for coexisting immune-mediated conditions in patients with psoriasis, as this may complicate treatment. Upadacitinib may offer a viable treatment option for patients with refractory cases of psoriasis and lichen planus, warranting further investigation.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the efficacy of upadacitinib in managing a patient with both psoriasis and lichen planus, suggesting its potential role in treating complex dermatological conditions.

References

  1. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 2023 -- Long-term efficacy of JAK inhibitors in ulcerative colitis: tipping toward safe success
  2. Upadacitinib as a Salvage Treatment for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Following Corticosteroid Ineffectiveness: Insights from Taiwan, 2023
  3. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 2023 -- Achievement of long-term treatment goals in upadacitinib-treated patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis: a post hoc analysis of phase 3 trial data
  4. Drug Safety, 2020 -- Evaluating the Benefit-Risk Profile of Upadacitinib in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights from a Phase III Study Series
  5. Living EuroGuiDerm Guideline for the systemic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, 2025
  6. Italian Consensus on the treatment of oral lichen planus, 2025
  7. Use of upadacitinib for recalcitrant oral erosive lichen planus, 2025
  8. Living EuroGuiDerm Guideline for the systemic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris | EDFG
  9. Italian Consensus on the treatment of oral lichen planus - PubMed
  10. Use of upadacitinib for recalcitrant oral erosive lichen planus - PubMed

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